5 best Tea House trekking destinations in Nepal

6, Dec 2018 | nepaltraveller.com

Tea House Trek is a great way to explore the mountains, landscapes and witness the local culture.

Nepal is known for its picturesque view of the mountains, tranquil lakes, and huge cascading waterfalls. It is for these views people venture into the road less travelled and return with a new perspective on things. These trekking paths have made Nepal known all over the world but few want to undertake this journey that sometimes can prove daunting and dangerous. For them, tea house trekking is the best option.

Tea House trekking is relatively a new form of exploration that usually entails travelling on foot and resting at a lodge that one encounters on the way. So, it does not involve carrying heavy equipment like tents, cooking items, sleeping bags, blankets etc. Comparatively, it is a cheap way of trekking with food and accommodation at a nominal price. With the view of the majestic mountains and teeming greenery on the way and to reach a lodge where one can witness local culture, Tea House trekking is a great way of exploring Nepal.

Here are the best Tea House trekking destination in Nepal on the basis of accessibility, lodges, security and natural beauty:

1. Annapurna Base Camp

It is one of the most popular trekking destinations in Nepal for its astoundingly beautiful view of the mountains like Fishtail, Himchuli and Annapurna mountain range. The path that leads to this base camp is as beautiful as the ultimate destination with hills dotted with perfect two story houses and against a backdrop of mountains; a sight taken straight out of a story book. With clean and decent lodges to provide authentic food and welcome you at the end of the day to rest your fatigued body (yet drenched with wanderlust), Annapurna base camp is the perfect tea house trekking destination.

2. Jomsom Muktinath Trek

Nepal is a country of varied landscapes. Never is this statement truer when one witnesses the unique landscapes on the way to Jomsom. Between Tatopani and Lete Khola the path is led by thick pine forests while Jomsom lies in a terrain of sand and rocks with a strong wind that blows throughout the year. The area is not short of decent to luxurious lodges to satisfy a wide range of travellers with good accommodation and authentic Thakali cuisine. Considered a religious shrine by Buddhist devotees, travellers will get a glimpse into the rich religious practices of the Buddhists. If it is an adventure you seek, then walk up to Thorong La pass where the mountains touch the realm of the heavens.

3. Langtang Valley Trek

Langtang Valley Trek is a pleasant trip that begins with tours of Kathmandu’s UNESCO World Heritage Sights and ultimately ends with the religious lake Gosaikunda. The path is adorned with the views of small peaks, farmlands and lush green hills. Rest at the tiny lodges operated by the local people that lie at the path and experience the local culture of the Gurungs and Sherpas. Kyangjin Monastery at 12,000 ft is also a source of attraction that lies like a tiny bowl surrounded by the Himalayas.

Photo Credit: Anton Jankovoy

4. Everest Base Camp

Everest Base Camp is the window to the Himalayas lying at 17,600 ft with the stunning view of Everest, Nuptse, Pumori, Cho Oyu, Ama Dablam to name just a few. The trek usually begins from Jiri on foot and may take up to 10-15 days depending upon the walking speed. The place is not short of good lodges that even provides Wifi, hot shower and varied types of food. Discover the bustling Sherpa village of Namche Bazzar and learn more about their spiritual perspective on the mountains they call home.

Photo Credit: Anton Jankovoy

5. Dolpa Trek

For many years Dolpa was hidden from the wary eyes of travellers and was only opened for exploration after 1989. This mystic place is home to the most unique cultures and religions. In the barren terrain, Lake Phoksundo lies a tiny jewel in its crown, shining turquoise blue and surreal to whoever lays eyes on it. The place more than being just a trek is but a spiritual journey forever immortalized in works such as ‘The Snow Leopard’ by Peter Matthiessen. The lodges in Dolpo are usually simple and basic, providing essential requirements however the lodges around Phoksundo are more dynamic in their services.

Photo Credit: Touch the Himalaya Treks and Expedition

Shuvekshya Limbu is a content writer at Nepal Traveller. An avid reader and traveller, she spends her time discussing literature and metaphors of life.